A Memoir Workshop
Level: All Levels
Being a writer gives you license to look, snoop, eavesdrop, take notes on everything. Writing your memoir gives you special credentials for that, as you have lived your story, and know all the aspects of it, including the sounds, smells, tastes, textures and visuals. As a writer and person who loves detail, I'll offer examples by writers who've taken a microscope to their world, and I'll have suggestions for how we can do that ourselves, for the betterment of both our writing, and our living in the moment. We'll generate some work via exercises (including one given before we even meet), so expect a chance for feedback, along with prompts, and a book list of titles mentioned in the workshop, and others to explore. This workshop will be of help to the memoir writer in general, to those who feel they've yet to fully bring their memoirs more fully into focus for their readers, and to the writer of any genre who is interested in further incorporation of the senses into their work.
+SUBMIT Prior to the workshop, please submit a piece or writing, or excerpt of a longer work, you feel could use more attention to the senses. The submission should be no longer than 750 words. Some or all of your piece might be shared with our group, so please be aware others will read it. On that note, realize that our work will be shared with respect and in confidentiality. Please also write a short paragraph (up to 250 words) on your favorite sense to incorporate in your writing, and which you tend to neglect or not enjoy including in your writing. Please email the manuscript to programs@mainewriters.org with the subject line: “STREMPEK-SHEA WORKSHOP MSS.” Please save “last name , first name—Strempek-Shea MSS” as the title of the document. Please use standard formatting (1” margins, double-spaced, 12 pt font), and Word docs (ideally) or PDFs only.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday October 6th from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Suzanne Strempek Shea is the author of eleven works of fiction and nonfiction including memoirs on cancer, religion, and bookselling. A former newspaper reporter in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, she’s freelanced for publications including Yankee, Down East, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Irish Times, and ESPN the Magazine. She founded the MFA program in creative nonfiction at Bay Path University and directs its writing seminar in Ireland. Suzanne was a longtime faculty member at the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast MFA program, and has taught in MFA programs at Emerson College and the University of South Florida.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Meghan Sterling at programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by September 23rd at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION